A few years ago, to abundant alumni objection, by wife's alma mater, Miami University (in Ohio), changed their team name from "Redskins" to something else...something so forgettable, I've forgotten it ! ;)
The University had leave from the leadership of the Miami Indian tribe to use the name. In fact, the tribe was pleased to be associated with such a fine institution. And set this sentiment to paper, in letters to the University. However, student activists, probably prodded by more than a few malcontent professors, stirred things up enough that the name was ultimately changed. One friend quipped they changed the name to the Miami Thinskins. A similar thing happened at my school. Wright State University used to have a diminutive Viking as a mascot (think Grimli from LOTR, but comic) Aforementioned malcontents thought this mascot was too masculine. Now WSU is called the (in mocking tone) "Wolfpack," complete with gender- neutral wolf mascot. <sigh> > The Indians themselves (at least the ones where I live) > call themselves "Indians". > > Here are a few local organizations: > FSIN: Federation of Saskatchewan Indian Nations > SIFC: SASKATCHEWAN INDIAN FEDERATED COLLEGE > > These are both Indian owned and operated. > Started by Indians, and run by Indians. > > Since the Indians are comfortable enough with the term to > use it in the names of both their political organizations > and their universities, just what is your problem, Lasse? > > William Robb > >
